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A History Lover’s Guide to KC

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Kansas City has much to offer those passionate about history—and to offer parents, educators and children! Some of our museums are well-known, like the National World War I Museum, but you’ll likely discover a new museum or attraction to visit with this short guide. All the places included in this list are open to the public right now, but most of them have also moved many of their programs online, so it’s easier than ever to attend a lecture or participate in an event of interest.

Sean Pavone Getty Images

An iconic monument of the Kansas City skyline since 1926, the National World War I Museum and Liberty Memorial boasts a world class museum dedicated to teaching the history of the First World War and its impact on our nation and the world. It should be on every history buff’s bucket list to explore this national treasure—visitors come from around the world to pay homage to the servicemen and servicewomen and all those who gave their lives. Currently, the museum has several special exhibits, including Silk and Steel: French Fashion, Women and WWI. The museum now offers online exhibits as well. Take a virtual, guided tour via their website through some of the museum’s most popular attractions or exhibits. There are also virtual lectures and events to participate in via Zoom, found on the museum’s social media accounts.

A gem of the 18th & Vine District, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is another piece of Kansas City history that is a must-visit. In 2006, it was designated by the U.S. Congress as America’s National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. It is dedicated to telling the story of Black baseball and ensuring every generation can learn its history and celebrate its importance in American sports and impact on society. It is a well-curated look into some of baseball’s most legendary players and role models who greatly shaped our history—and much of the story took place right here in Kansas City.  Also located in the same historic building is the American Jazz Museum, a popular destination for both musicians and historians. 

Shawnee Town 1929 is now open for the season! As usual, it has such a great calendar of events planned for the year. Be sure to check them all out online on their website. Just a few options to choose from are the History on Tap lecture series for adults that takes place in Town Hall. If you attend in person, local brews will be provided. The series will also be available to view online this year. In the town farmhouse, you can enjoy varying period food preparation demonstrations throughout the year, and weekly, on summertime Tuesdays and Thursdays, the always popular Time Travelers Children’s Program engages youngsters. Bring the kids and learn a new period craft or participate in a farm chore or special event! My favorite program on offer through the summer is the musical outdoor series Jammin’ on the Green. There is also still time to register for one of the Ukulele Beginner Workshops. The ukulele was one of the most popular instruments of the 1920s, and no experience is required to join.

The Legler Barn Museum in Lenexa, KS, is unique because it is located in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Enjoy a picnic, a playground or a walk along the paved trails before or after visiting the Barn Museum, built by Adam Legler in 1864. The museum highlights Lenexa’s early history, and you’ll even find a train depot, caboose and little train museum on the property to explore. A coffee shop, the Foundry, is within walking distance.  There is something for everyone to enjoy when you visit this museum!

Another small but special museum is the Oxford Schoolhouse in Leawood, KS. Originally located at 135th & Mission, it was moved in March 2003 to its present location in Ironwoods Park. The museum is open just on Saturdays until May, and then it will be open Tuesday through Sunday during the summer months for self-guided tours. Hopes are high that school tours will be able to resume in the fall. I was part of the archeological team that worked on the original site the summer of 2002, documenting artifacts and preparing the schoolhouse to be moved, so I am especially fond of this little museum.

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site is another great option for children wanting to immerse themselves in the history of our region. Since its opening as a living museum, Mahaffie has offered a plethora of living history programs to young and old alike. Visitors can take a ride on a real stagecoach and relive the days when the farmstead was a stop along the Sante Fe, Oregon and California trails to the West. Guests can also watch the blacksmith at work, or sample a meal that would have been prepared for stagecoach passengers in the cool basement kitchen that doubled as a dining hall. Mahaffie also offers many homeschool programs throughout the year, so be sure to check out the Calendar of Events on their website!

When in Lawrence, KS, both the Watkins Museum of History and the Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum are historical sites not to be missed. The Watkins Museum especially has adapted to these unprecedented times by taking their impressive lecture series online. Find their upcoming programs on their social media accounts. You’ll find something intriguing for a wide variety of interests.

Perhaps the most well-known historic building in Kansas City is Union Station—and this summer, a very important exhibit will be held there on the Holocaust: Auschwitz: Not long ago. Not far away. Tickets are on sale now for this significant, groundbreaking exhibit.

As with all travel and businesses, check websites for updated COVID-19 information before visiting any museums or historical sites.

Margaret Bristow is a Kansas City native with a passion for local history and sharing that history with her family.

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